By Darren Lum
Whatever the Ontario government decides regarding the current stay-at-home order, set to run until May 20 as of press time, the Haliburton County Farmers’ Market, which is considered an “essential service,” is ready to welcome shoppers to kick off its season on Tuesday, May 18 at Head Lake Park in Haliburton.
New manager Rob McConnell said with its 27 vendors this season, the Farmers’ Market has something for everyone, whether its cooked, brewed, aged or picked fresh.
The lineup includes an entire range of vendors such as farmers, bakers, artisans, cheese makers, wine makers, jam makers, and Maple product makers.
McConnell said he welcomes and thanks the “participants” for making the market successful.
He adds there are popular returning vendors such as Edelicicious, who is known for its cheese appetizers, but visitors can also expect new ones such as a new coffee vendor, and salad maker.
“It just adds to the diversity of what we already have,” he said.
Like last year, the seasonal event will have COVID-19 safety protocols in place such as mask wearing, social distancing, one-way traffic, and attendance limits.
The Farmers’ Market at Head Lake Park will be held from noon to 4 p.m. and will end Oct. 5.
The market will also be held on Saturdays at the Minden Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting on May 22 and on Fridays from noon to 4 p.m. in the area behind the Stanhope Community Centre, located on North Shore Road, in Stanhope, starting June 18.
McConnell welcomes volunteers to provide assistance with general duties, including implementing COVID-19 measures, and setting up and taking down.
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